Saturday, December 5, 2009

Getting the attention of a chilango is no easy task. In Mexico City, one's senses are quickly filled to overflowing (it's one of the highs we urbanites are addicted to). So you need something to make yourself stand out. Parking lot attendants wave red flannel flags to entice you in, a giant fuzzy dragon hands out flyers for a discount pharmacy, twin girls in hot pants and sequined cowboy boots shimmy in front of a car repair shop. I once heard a mariachi group celebrating the opening of a street stall selling piles of raw chicken parts.

By my prize goes to this group of young performers promoting vegetable oil on a street corner near the metro stop Hospital General. They're working 4 hours a day, three days a week--at least for now. Luckily there were no free samples. I stayed for a few minutes and watched. Everyone else just walked on by.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Born in New York City, Jim Johnston grew up in the woods of New Hampshire. After studying architecture at the University of Virginia and graphic design at the School of Visual Arts, he worked as a professional artist and potter in New York City for 27 years. He moved to Mexico in 1997, where he continues working as an artist and writer. For more information visit the website: www.jimjohnstonart.com. You can e-mail me at this address: jimjohnstonart@gmail.com

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Good Food in Mexico City: A Guide to Food Stalls, Fondas and Fine Dining